Townhall takes off

February 2017 seems like a long time ago. It was way before global shutdowns, social distancing and face masks. Townhall Cavan was then announced as one of seven flagship projects under Stream 2 of the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme by then Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys.

This meant there would be a shut down, a refurb and a reopening. All within a couple of years. Or so we thought.

Cut to April 2022. Cavan County Council Director Of Service, Eoin Doyle, took to the podium as MC to mark the official opening of the cultural venue transformed by the refurbishment.

Amid the praise for the architects, designers and constructions specialists, the input of Sally O’Dowd, Kevin O’Connor, Joe Keenan, Siobhan Harton and Philip Doherty is well flagged. Fitting as the Townhall is an artists hub.

Under the guise of Cavan Arts and Culture Centre Limited, the fantastic five animated the building with a contemporary arts programme between 2015 and 2018. Theatre, visual art, performance art and a Festival of the Dead all establish the template for the venue’s future.

Between 2017 and last Monday the project had many contributing to the transformation of Townhall. JJ McCauley Construction Ltd, from Kill, Cavan, carried out the refurbishment and conservation works. The detail design formal tender process was overseen by Bluett and O’Donoghue Project Managers, Michael O’Boyle was the conservation architect and local authority oversight was by director in charge James O’Donoghue.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht investment of €750,000 was augmented by capital funding of €247,600 from Peace IV SEUPB, the remaining commitment of €750,000 was provided by Cavan County Council from its own resources.

The project now provides an arts space for the county serving artists and audience and complimenting the existing provisions for culture across the region. In her address to the gathering, Cllr Madeleine Argue, whose late father Senator Andy O’Brien was an early advocate of the importance of Townhall to the artistic soul of Cavan, acknowledged the “forward looking management team” in place in 2017 who campaigned for the venue to be developed.

Cll Argue recalled an incident that precipitated the restoration when a visiting Minister Humphreys saw local authority staff scrambling for umbrellas to protect the minister from a leaky roof.

Recalling that incident Minister Humphrey commented: “It impressed on us the urgent need to support Cavan County Council to make the improvements a reality.

“I think there were more leaks that in a sieve. There were buckets everywhere, but what a transformation!” she told those gathered.

Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly complemented the restoration: “It was done with great sensitivity, retaining the charm of this century old building, while modernising it as a multi-purpose cultural and arts venue.”

Minister Humphreys said she was reluctant to pick out individuals from the supporting cast who made the refurbishment possible, but did acknowledge Catriona O’Reilly, the Arts Officer with Cavan County Council for her input.

The Minister concluded: “A vibrant arts and cultural sector is so important to our society as a whole. It’s important for our artists, who have gone through a difficult time because of COVID-19, but it’s also important to our own well-being, our social cohesion and our economic development.”

Before Minister Humphreys performed the official unveiling of the plaque, she was presented with a painting by Gabhann Dunne to mark the occasion.

‘Great character’

Chief executive of Cavan County Council, Tommy Ryan, highlighted the support of local authority members in making the restoration happen. He spoke of the “great character” of the venue.

“The Townhall is now future proofed as a multi-purpose arts centre,” Mr Ryan said. “The building has been given a new lease of life. It’s clear from looking at it that every element of the development of the building has been given great consideration. This building will complement the developments going on at the Ramor Theatre.”

Minister Humphreys had earlier referenced the redevelopment of the Civic Centre at Ramor Theatre in Virginia as another arts project funded by her Department. The Venues Manager of Townhall and Ramor Theatre, Padraic McIntyre, commended the input of the artists collective that laid the groundwork for the development of Townhall: “I want to say to them today that my door is open to talk to you about using your vision and your energy to make this one of the best venues in the country.”

He continued: “The real job of work begins. Our vision, together with the cultural team and the senior management team, and the very supportive councillors is that the Townhall and Ramor Theatre work together to make the arts accessible in all its forms.”

Mr McIntyre thanked Val Ballance, head of venues with the Arts Council for his support, adding: “For any arts venue to be able to stand up, like any stool, there are three necessary legs. The arts community, the funders and the audience. I would encourage you to visit us regularly. To the artists, our door is always open - for your ideas, concepts and projects. We will do our best to accommodate you. It is our belief that any arts centre is only a centre without the artists.”